In recent years, a growing number of states have approved often-conflicting standards for egg production, frequently applying those requirements to all eggs sold in the state. Many states have already adopted more aggressive standards on animal welfare, including Michigan. Some states regulate how eggs are produced in their own state, but have no such restrictions on eggs imported from other states. This patchwork of regulations is confusing for Michigan’s consumers and egg producers, and creates an economic disadvantage for producers in states that have rules protecting animal welfare.

That’s why Congress should pass the Egg Products Inspection Act Amendments of 2012. These new rules will ensure consistent rules across the country for all egg producers and improve housing and the quality of life for the 280 million hens involved in U.S. egg production.

Active Feed Company and Farm Crest Foods is a third generation family-owned business in the Mid-Michigan area, serving customers locally and as far away as California. We are a United Egg Producers certified company, meeting the “Animal Husbandry Guidelines for U.S. Egg Laying Flocks.”

At Farm Crest Foods we recognize the benefits of humane treatment of our hens. We also recognize the need for stable standards that will allow us to make investments in farm infrastructure to grow our businesses. Having the assurance that all egg producers will face the same standards will give Michigan’s egg producers the certainty we need to invest and grow our production, create jobs and economic growth here in Michigan and ensure that consumers have an abundant supply of eggs.

In addition to being good for farmers, these reforms are also a big step forward in promoting animal welfare. They require producers to phase out conventional cages and replace them with new, enriched colony housing, which will provide hens with nearly double the amount of space. The new cages will also contain environmental enrichments such as perches, nesting boxes and scratching areas that allow the hens to express natural behaviors. Leading scientists agree that this form of housing provides the best all-around conditions for hen welfare.

These standards have the support of a broad range of groups representing farmers, consumers and animal welfare advocates. Supporters of the proposal include: The American Veterinary Medical Association, the United Egg Producers, the Humane Society of the United States and the Consumer Federation of America. Consumers support the federal bill by a 4-1 margin according to numbers released by the Bantam Group.

These new standards are in the best interests of farmers, the hens we raise and the consumers that buy our eggs. Congress should act quickly to pass H.R. 3798.

J. Scott Maust is operation manager of Active Feed Co. based in Pigeon